Herschel Museum of Astronomy
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For those with even the most casual interest in astronomy or science.. if you have an hour spare in central bath you are almost certainly within walking distance of this little gem hidden off the beaten track.. Spread over 3 floors and a small garden the museum is dedicated to the life and work or the Herschels, William best known for discovering infrared light and the planet Uranus and Caroline who was an accomplished astronomer in her own right and known to many for her work on comets. In the museum you will find several rooms covering the time the Hershels were in residence with numerous images and artifacts related to their story including their workshop downstairs, mirrors made by William and even one of his diaries and whole downstairs you can go out to the garden and stand in the spot where our understanding of the universe changed forever.. if you have the time and even the slightest interest.. go help out a local museum
SimonSimon
00
An absolute must see for anyone with the vaguest of interest in astronomy. William Herschel discovered the planet Uranus from his garden in 1781 now the Herschel Museum of Astronomy. Herschel's preeminent expertise in making the concave mirror propelled him to be the authority on the subject and a position as royal astronomer to King George III. Herschel's (obviously mechanical) mirror polishing methodology is unknown and still speculated upon to this day. The first planetarium of the modern era (pictured) was made by clock makers for the 4th Earl of Orrery, who gave his name to the device. Orreries were very popular in the 18th century, both as teaching devices and recreationally for wealthy individuals interested in astronomy.
Aseire Heard (Francis)Aseire Heard (Francis)
00
I was only in Bath for 2 days and I’m so glad I went here! It was really great and I would recommend this for anyone interested in astronomy, science communication, or science in general. I read everything there was to read, all the descriptions and notes, and they were so informative. The woman who gave the introduction (I think her name was Charlotte, I hope I remembered correctly) was also very helpful. She was very jolly and energetic and made me excited about going around the museum. I also had some further questions and she answered them enthusiastically. Additionally, I liked the star carpet on the stairs! Please visit the museum if you can, it’s one of the highlights of my quick Bath trip. I wish I had taken more photos.
C DC D
00
Tucked away on a quiet side street in Bath, this museum is full of some seriously significant scientific artefacts, including a replica of Herschels Telescope and the prism he accidentally discovered infrared rays with. It is also cool to see the spot marked where he stood when he discovered Uranus. The staff member on duty, Joe, was friendly and knowledgeable and happily answered all my questions. There is also a small shop section, and toilets inside despite being quite a small museum. Definitely worth going out of your way to see on you way to the Royal Crescent.
Matt StowerMatt Stower
00
Wonderful, one of the best independent museums I've ever been to! So much to see and the introductory film is very informative and voiced by Sir Patrick Moore adding to the magic (at least for an amateur astronomer like me!) Great displays with information about nearly all the artefacts and the staff are very helpful and knowledgeable. Beautiful pieces of machinery built by Hershel on display and I'm sad to say I didn't have time to make it upstairs to see the musical instruments. Need to go back when I visit Bath again!
Martha RichmanMartha Richman
00
Small Museum in a quiet street near the city centre. Staff were friendly, helpful, and informative. The museum is small but has some interesting items and is nicely laid out. It was a Wednesday afternoon when I visited, so only a few other people, which made it nice to leisurely walk around. Nice alternative to some of the busy places in the city. You can stand in the garden where Uranus was discovered and scientific knowledge was expanded. What's not to like.
Stuart JohnsonStuart Johnson
00
Nearby Attractions Of Herschel Museum of Astronomy
The Roman Baths
Thermae Bath Spa
Pulteney Bridge
Royal Victoria Park Bath
SouthGate Bath
Bath Abbey
Royal Crescent
Theatre Royal, Bath
No. 1 Royal Crescent
Green Park Station
The Roman Baths
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Thermae Bath Spa
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Pulteney Bridge
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Royal Victoria Park Bath
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Nearby Restaurants Of Herschel Museum of Astronomy
Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum
Turtle Bay Bath
The King of Wessex
Bill's Bath Restaurant
The Scallop Shell
The Ivy Bath Brasserie & Garden
Hall & Woodhouse Bath
Opa Bath
Las Iguanas - Bath
Miller & Carter Bath
Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum
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Turtle Bay Bath
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
19 New King St, Bath BA1 2BL, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 1225 446865
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Website
herschelmuseum.org.uk
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Reviews
Overview
4.5
(307 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family-friendly
accessibility
Description
The Herschel Museum of Astronomy at 19 New King Street, Bath, England, is a museum that was inaugurated in 1981. It is located in a town house that was formerly the home of William Herschel and his sister Caroline.
attractions: The Roman Baths, Thermae Bath Spa, Pulteney Bridge, Royal Victoria Park Bath, SouthGate Bath, Bath Abbey, Royal Crescent, Theatre Royal, Bath, No. 1 Royal Crescent, Green Park Station, restaurants: Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum, Turtle Bay Bath, The King of Wessex, Bill's Bath Restaurant, The Scallop Shell, The Ivy Bath Brasserie & Garden, Hall & Woodhouse Bath, Opa Bath, Las Iguanas - Bath, Miller & Carter Bath
